The Karoo GravelGrinder cycling routes

We have a standard route for each of the 3 days that we feel is the most spectacular riding in the area.To maximise the experience we transport you out on some mornings so that you can experience a greater diversity of nature and terrain within the 65km cycling limit we have set for each day. Total distance: 182 Km with 2659 m of ascent over 3 days.

We have recently added the Xtra Large option which has been designed for advanced fitness riders to coincide with the water point, sweep and medic logistics as well as connecting with your companion on the last 25 to 35km at the end of the ride. (More info at the bottom of this page)

Route for Day One:

Two Parts totalling 63.3 km and 1340 m of ascentWe load you and your bike in the early morning and bus you down to De Rust. The route then starts beyond the town of De Rust on the gravel Oudemuragie road. This road is remote and meanders through spectacular farmlands and the southern foothills of the great Swartberg mountain range. Your "tea-time" waterpoint after the first 31.5km is at the junction to the Cango Caves road, where we load your bike again and whisk you off to the base of Swartberg Pass on the southern side.

Day One Part One - Oudemuragie

The Swartberg Pass is a spectacular climb and is fairly tough, but achievable for the average rider.It's basically 9.8km up and then 22 km down to Prince Albert, an unforgettable experience and well worth any discomfort you experience on the climb.

Day One Part Two - Swartberg Pass

Route for Day Two:

Up early, good coffee and rusks, then a scenic 36km along the northern foothills to Weltevrede Fig Farm where breakfast awaits you. It's a passage back in time, no cell reception, no electricity, gravity fed water to irrigate the farms, an isolated beautiful place, removed from the bustle of the world beyond.

64 km 775m of Ascent

You can spend more time on the farm and go back in the bus, or twiddle the 27 km back on your bike, making it a 63km day.

Route for Day Three

A downhill desert run of around 55 km, almost no uphills whatsover, desolate Karoo plateau's with the Swartberg range as the backdrop. A minor descent down Tierberg pass, if you lucky you will see, horses, sheep, cattle, eland, giraffe, sable antelope, klipspringers, kudu and springbok. You will definitely see windmills, game fences and thorn trees.

55 km - 239 m of ascent , 544 m of descent

KGG Xtra Large - Attempt only if you have "True Grit"

326 km - 4 687 m of ascent in 3 days

The Karoo GravelGrinder centres around the concept of "Spoil your companion". The idea being that you can bring your companion along whether they are a rider or a non-rider and you can enjoy the experience together. We have found that some riders of advanced fitness, like to ride a bit harder earlier in the morning and then enjoy the last half of the standard ride with their partners.

We decided to formalise this to ensure that you have support, medical assistance and your ride is timed well to coincide with the water-points and the last few kilometres with the normal riders. We additionally offer on-bike snacks, GPX files and GPS units if you do not have navigation devices of your own. This is option is great for those training for stage races or endurance events.

KGG Xtra Large Day One:

118 km +-2400m of Ascent

You get dropped off at the beginning of the Middelwater Road, the route is the last 118km of the Swartberg100 Gran Fondo route. Meet up with the rest on the climb of Swartberg Pass.

KGG Xtra Large Day Two:

94 km - 1560 m of ascent

Ride up the southern ascent of Swartberg Pass and turn at the Teeberg Peak switchback then back down to Prince Albert and catch up with the others on the Weltevrede route.

KGG Xtra Large Day Three:

114 km - 727 m of ascent

A desert run through Sleutelfontein game farm and then hook up with the others on the 40km downhill.

Logistically you can opt for shorter distances on Day One and Two but on Day Three you are committed to the full route.